Veterans, ADF members, partners and supporters holding the Australian flag

The Hub – Memorandum of Understanding

“The Iluka/Woombah Veterans & Supporters Hub exists to ensure no veteran ever feels forgotten, isolated, or without a place to belong.”

How the Hub Came About

The Hub was created by founding veteran Bruce McIntosh in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the extensive research he carried out in 2021. During this time, he travelled throughout Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT, meeting veterans from all backgrounds and listening to their experiences, frustrations, and the gaps in support they faced.

It became clear that what was missing was a truly independent, veteran‑focused hub — a place free from pressure, politics, or affiliation. A place where every veteran could feel safe, respected, welcomed, and supported without judgement or expectation.

Staying True to Our Purpose – The Gathering

The Gathering exists for one purpose: to provide a positive, pressure‑free environment where veterans feel welcome, supported, and never forgotten.

Our Core Principles

The Gathering

Morning tea/coffee and lunch are provided free of charge as our way of honouring our veterans. This removes all barriers so veterans can simply turn up, feel welcome, and know they are valued.

Our Salute to Veterans and Serving Members
A meaningful moment where we honour past and present veterans and acknowledge the families of those currently serving.

Community Updates
Sharing what’s happening locally, including Coffee Days, Outing Days, and visits to other veteran organisations.

Fines and Raffle
A light‑hearted, voluntary activity that helps raise funds for the annual Christmas Party without pressure or expectation.

BBQ – Sausage Sizzle

The Sausage Sizzle operates for four key reasons:

We operate with Council approval outside IGA and are covered by Club Iluka’s insurance under our Sub‑Hub status.

Why We Are a Sub‑Club of Club Iluka

Becoming a Sub‑Club ensures veterans have a safe, protected, and properly supported place to gather. It provides:

Most importantly, it protects our independence. We exist for veterans — not for politics, agendas, or external expectations.

Remembrance Services

Remembrance is deeply personal. We respect every veteran’s right to choose how and where they commemorate. The Hub always has a representative present to lay wreaths at local cenotaphs and wherever our veterans attend.

Monthly Committee Meeting – Ensuring Everyone Has a Voice

Every veteran and supporter has the right to raise suggestions or concerns at the Monthly Committee Meeting. This ensures transparency, fairness, and respectful decision‑making.

Concerns must be raised through proper channels. Speaking negatively outside the group causes division and undermines the Hub’s purpose.

The Sunday Raffle – Why It Exists

The raffle is the least intrusive way to support the costs of running a safe, welcoming space for veterans. Funds raised help us:

Local business involvement strengthens community partnerships and supports both veterans and small businesses.

“You Are Not Forgotten” Plaques

These plaques are a meaningful reminder to veterans and their families that their service still matters and that their community has not forgotten them.

Veteran Supporters

Veteran Supporters help veterans feel that their service was not in vain. Their presence shows appreciation, respect, and community support.

Certificates of Appreciation

For Veteran Supporters

A way of acknowledging those who help strengthen the wellbeing of our veterans.

For Local Primary School Children

Presented to Year 6 students for their participation in remembrance services. This recognition builds pride, confidence, and keeps the ANZAC spirit alive in the next generation.

Our Core Message

Everything we do exists for one reason: to ensure veterans have a place where they feel welcome, respected, supported, and never forgotten.